Moving!

Realizing how many shoes I had with me in Germany, plus one. I find it quite ridiculous.

Alphorn at Kempten's Weihnachtsmarkt

Dieter cutting the Turkey at our very American Thanksgiving in Germany.

Theresa and I drinking "Glühwein" at a Weihnachtsmarkt in a small Castle

Clubbing in München with other exchange students (Lara, from Brasil)

Making Chocolate Muffins with some friends from school (we also dyed them red)

So as of yesterday, a Thursday the 4th of December, I can officially say I have successfully lived in Germany for three months. How insane is that?

In true Rotary spirit, according to their methods, as I hit the 3 month mark I also recieve a new family and a new chapter of my life. My bags, might I add, look fairly silly at the moment as I have packed them to move onto my second host family. Leaving officially, to travel accross the Atlantic, I packed extroadinarily well. Everything was nicely rolled up and fit perfectly. I did not indulge myself in that patience this time. I dont think I will fit in the same amount of bags I came in, as each one bulges right to its brim and I am not yet done.

Saturday I change to go live in Altusried with the Damiani family. They have 3 kids, 2 of which are still at home. Theresa is 11 and Lisa 16. I know they are very sweet and I will have a wonderful time there, but I am also extremely sad to go. Büchters kindness here has been unmeasurable, and I know I will miss them greatly. They aren't far away though, and we've already made plans to spend the 26th together.

New Address:

Sonja Smerud

c/o Damiani Familie

Fruhlingstrasse 31

D-87452 Altusried

Germany

Altusried is a small town just outside of Kempten, but ironically still bigger than Silver Bay (5-6,000). I will still go to the same school, the same class, and be able to hang out in Kempten (hopefully) as much as I currently can. The only bummer is, is that I will have to use the bus system. Not many buses travel from Altusried to Kempten, and I believe I will begin to realize their frustration. At least they have buses, as I can not drive.

Saturday is also a very beloved German Holiday, St. Nikolaus. St. Nikolaus is like our Santa Claus, but instead of coming on the actual Christmas eve, he comes on the night of the 5th (with Stockings hung and everything). Each small town has a little festival for the event, which I will go to in Altusried tomorrow night. I am quite scared, however, because St. Nikolaus not only brings presents for the good children, but for the children who are bad, he carries a whip around and actually chases after them to hit them. I find it fairly abusive, and I think some kids really get scared. It is a very cultural thing however, and I do believe it will be quite hilarious. I will also be very glad to have my new host parents, Barbara and Manfred, along with me.

You must excuse me if you find I am typing very differently than I normally talk at home. The students learn British English (mostly) in the Schools, and I believe it's having an effect on me. Plus, as Ulla is such a fan of Jane Austen, I got inspired and just finished reading Pride & Prejudice.

I hope all is well with those in the States, and wishing for snow!